Triple-Smoked BBQ Chicken Thunderbolt

Allergens

Wheat (in BBQ Smokehouse Rub)

Ingredients

• 6 bone
• in, skin
• on chicken thighs
• 2 cups wood chips (hickory or mesquite)
• 1 cup BBQ Smokehouse Rub (see recipe below)
• 1 cup homemade BBQ sauce (see recipe below)
• 1 cup apple juice
• Freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste BBQ Smokehouse Rub:
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika Homemade BBQ Sauce:
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Soak wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the BBQ Smokehouse Rub. Season chicken thighs evenly with the rub, ensuring they are well coated. Let sit for 30 minutes for the flavors to absorb.
3. Preheat your grill or smoker to 250°F (120°C). Place soaked wood chips on the coals or in the smoker box.
4. Arrange chicken thighs on the grill grates, skin side up, and cook indirectly for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the homemade BBQ sauce by combining all ingredients in a saucepan and simmering over medium heat until thickened, about 20 25 minutes. Set aside.
6. After 1 hour and 30 minutes, baste chicken with apple juice and cook for another 15 minutes, then baste with half of the BBQ sauce and continue cooking for another 15 minutes.
7. Finally, baste the remaining BBQ sauce on the chicken and let it cook for a final 10 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or the juices run clear.
8. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Chef’s Insight

To infuse more smoke flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in apple juice before cooking.

Notes

The homemade BBQ sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.